US buyers' markets are flooded by investors hoping to start their rental businesses in healthy economies and make a profit. However, many buy properties in a different state and find it quite difficult to manage them themselves.
If you are a landlord, one of the biggest decisions you'll make is when to manage your rental units on your own or with the help of a third party. Many property owners hire a resident manager, but sometimes there is a lot of work to do.
This is where a property management company comes in. These firms can be huge assets for your rental business, as they can help you save time and earn money in the long run.
However, hiring reputable property management companies requires a significant investment. Therefore, you must review different factors to determine if you really need one.
Do you need help finding the best property management company in California? Read on to learn about important considerations, tips on how to find the right professional to partner with, and the best firms you can choose in this state.
What Does a Property Management Company Do?
Essentially, property management companies oversee real estate assets on behalf of landlords and are responsible for their maintenance and day-to-day running.
From dealing directly with prospective tenants and renters to making repairs and marketing rental units, these firms handle multiple management tasks, saving you time and giving you peace of mind.
A property management company is an independent contractor, so you don't build an employer-employee relationship when you hire them. However, if you choose a reliable one, you can be sure that your investment is in good hands.
Responsibilities of a Property Management Company
Like property managers, these firms typically take on all the responsibilities of managing, maintaining, and running a rental unit. However, companies are made up of multiple teams to ensure someone is always available to address and solve important issues.
Overall, this is what a property management company does:
- Screen tenants
- Collect rent
- Deal with tenant issues
- Fill vacancies
- Handle legal issues
- Manage repairs
- Manage maintenance work
- Keep track of important details, such as repair receipts
- Handle all documentation
- Handle negotiations
- Secure contracts for different services, such as landscape, trash removal, or cleanup
- And more!
When Should You Use a Property Management Service?
Not sure if you need to use a property management company? Consider the following scenarios to determine if hiring one can favor your rental business:
- You own multiple rental units: If you have many rental properties and can't manage them all, hiring a management company can greatly help you.
- Hands-on management is challenging: Many landlords view their rental property ownership as an investment and want minimal involvement in daily activities. In these cases, they hire management companies to keep their units safe and in good condition.
- You don't live near the rental unit: Is your property located far from where you live? Hiring a management company may be a good idea.
- Time is limited: If you don't have enough time to devote to your rental business and manage your properties, you can rely on a third party to handle management tasks.
- Maintenance and management tasks are piling up: When your rental business starts to grow, you have more money in your pocket but more tasks to handle. If you need substantial help or feel overwhelmed by all the work you have to do, hiring a management firm makes sense.
How to Find a Good Property Management Company
Do you think you need help from a third party to manage your apartment buildings or commercial properties? Before hiring a company, you should make sure it's reliable and experienced to protect your investment.
Ideally, you should follow these recommendations before hiring a property management company:
- Get referrals or recommendations from colleagues or a local apartment association
- Interview several companies and ask all the questions you have in mind
- Consider the first impression
- Pay attention to the information that property management companies give you
- Find out how the firm handles vacancies and property advertising
- Check the company's website if it has one
- Review comments from previous clients
- Search professional directories online to find certified property managers
- Find out if the company you are interviewing has experience handling your specific type of investment or has worked in the industry for at least a few years.
- Make sure the company has a good reputation
- Choose a company with the same morals and values as you
- Check vacancy rates to see if the company is keeping tenants happy
- Pay attention to customer service, which must be a top priority, comprehensive, and professional
- Check if the company has a large client base
- Review the contract and verify the information written in the documents
- Negotiate the terms of the contract if necessary
- Make sure you can communicate with the property management firm in various ways, including email or phone calls
Are Property Management Companies Licensed and Certified?
Several states don't require a license of any kind to manage properties on behalf of another person. In others, managers must have a real estate license.
California property managers must have a real estate salesperson license, which is issued by the California Department of Real Estate (DRE). As part of the eligibility criteria, applicants must pass the CA Salesperson Exam, complete at least 135 hours of pre-licensing coursework, be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and be sponsored by a broker.
Anyone who wants to join a property management company in California must meet these requirements and get a real estate salesperson license.
Therefore, if you want to hire a property management company and avoid the hassle, check if it has the required qualifications, certifications, and technical expertise. The following three steps might help you:
- Check if the third party has a current real estate broker license
- Find out if the company or manager you hire is certified to take care of a property
- Check if the third party has professional affiliations of any type
Do you want to choose a certified property manager or company? Here are some of the certifications you should look for:
- NARPM: The National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) focuses on small residential units and single-family homes.
- RMP: The Residential Management Professional (RMP) is a status that shows that property managers have completed initial training and passed the vetting process.
- MPM: The Master Property Manager (MPM) is the highest certification for these professionals and shows that they have extensive experience in the industry.
- CRMC: The Certified Residential Management Company (CRMC) proves that a firm has achieved and demonstrated the highest level of professionalism and has been designated as a Preferred Residential Management Company.
Experienced, professional, and certified companies and property managers can help you grow your business, take care of your investment, and boost your income. Moreover, they know what mistakes to avoid, so you can save time and money.
If you run a real estate business and need help managing your rental property, a management company can be of great help. However, as mentioned, you must choose a reliable one. Read on to find some recommendations for California landlords.
Best Property Management Companies in California
Are you looking for the best property management company in California? Here's a list of the best options you can find in this state!
EGL Properties, Inc.
If you are in the Greater Los Angeles Area, EGL Properties is one of the best property management companies you can find.
- Service types: Residential and commercial properties and HOA
- Years in business: 32+ years
- Rentals managed: Unknown
- Better Business Bureau rating: A+
- Management fees:5-10% monthly rent (may vary depending on the number of units or plan)
- Tenant placement fee: 30-60% of one month's rent
With over 30 years of experience offering property management services in Los Angeles, EGL Properties has helped landlords and real estate investors get to know the local market and generate income while enjoying their free time.
This company provides consulting and buying assistance for properties and Homeowners Associations (HOAs) or communities of all sizes. In addition, EGL Properties handles all the tasks necessary to keep your rental unit in good condition and your business running, such as screening tenants, marketing vacant dwellings, leasing, collecting rent, and more.
As part of its property management services for HOAs, EGL Properties also handles maintenance, project oversight, bookkeeping, and more.
Bell Properties, Inc.
Another reputable property management company that you can find in Los Angeles is Bell Properties.
- Service types: Commercial and residential properties
- Years in business: 17+ years
- Rentals managed: Unknown
- Better Business Bureau rating: N/A
- Management fees: 7.9-11.9% of monthly rent (may vary depending on the plan)
- Tenant placement fee: 20-50% of one month's rent, depending on the plan (If you only use the tenant placement services, the fee is 100% of one month's rent)
Bell has several goals: to help property owners maximize their ROI, save time, and avoid stress and frustration. The company offers customizable full-service property management and works with you through the process to identify your needs and create a custom plan that suits your goals.
In addition, this firm's professionals will help you outline your expected income to boost your profits and identify renovations that can add more value to your rental unit.
Bell offers different leasing services, such as screening applicants in depth to find the right tenant, drafting lease agreements under California landlord-tenant laws, showing the property, and more.
Plus, during your lease, you can count on Bell to provide around-the-clock concierge service and address tenants' concerns promptly.
Mike Dunfee Group
Are you in Long Beach or surrounding areas and want to find a reliable property management company? Mike Dunfee Group can be your best ally!
- Service types: Residential and commercial properties
- Years in business: 25+ years
- Rentals managed: 500+
- Better Business Bureau rating: A+
- Management fees: 4.9-7.9% of monthly rent
- Tenant placement fee: 25-50% of one month's rent
Mike Dunfee Group is considered one of the best property management companies in California for many reasons. The firm assists Long Beach landlords with all aspects of the investment process, offering real estate brokerage and leasing solutions.
Plus, this company can help you turn your vacant unit into an income-generating business, even if you don't have enough time to oversee the property.
Mike Dunfee Group will handle the tenancy and all related tasks, including rent collection, marketing, tenant screening, lease drafting, security deposit management, inspections, maintenance handling, emergency support, and more.
Kenny Realty, Inc.
In the Greater Bay Area, including San Francisco, there are also excellent, reputable companies offering real estate management services. Kenny Realty is one of them.
- Service types: Residential and commercial property management
- Years in business: 55+
- Rentals managed: 800+
- Better Business Bureau rating: A+
- Management fees: 6% of monthly income or $150 per unit (may vary depending on the property type)
- Tenant placement fee: 6% of annual income for single-family homes or tenant placement services or 5% of one month's rent for apartment management
With over 55 years of experience in real estate management and over 800 managed properties, Kenny Realty is one of the most reputable firms you can find in California. Serving the Bay Area's investors and homeowners, including international investors, this company turns vacant buildings, houses, and apartments into a source of rental income.
Kenny Realty offers packages with multiple property management services, such as tenant placement, rent collection, showings, screenings, evictions, and more. In addition, the company can handle your accounting tasks and provide monthly updates on the unit's condition and investment results.
Concept 360 Property Management
If you are in Long Beach or the South Bay and need help managing your residential unit, Concept 360 Property Management is another excellent firm to work with.
- Service types: Residential properties only
- Years in business: 10+ years
- Rentals managed: Unknown
- Better Business Bureau rating: N/A
- Management fees: $197 per month or 6.9% of monthly rent (may vary depending on the number of units)
- Tenant placement fee: 50% of one month's rent
Concept 360 stands out from the competition for its excellent communication, transparency, and honesty. Over the past decade, this company has earned the trust of Long Beach and South Bay residents who need to protect their investment properties through its comprehensive services.
If you hire Concept 360, the first thing you'll get is a rental analysis that will help you better understand your financial goals. Also, this company helps you set a fair price for your property before it goes on the market.
Once your rental is move-in ready, this property management company handles the leasing process, from finding a potential tenant to drafting the contract in compliance with California landlord-tenant laws.
In addition, after someone rents your property, Concept 360 takes on all management responsibilities, such as communicating with tenants, conducting regular inspections, collecting and disbursing rent, and renewing lease agreements.
Welcome Home Property Management & Investments, Inc.
Are you looking for property management companies in Southern California? Welcome Home Property Management, a firm serving people in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas, can lend you a hand!
- Service types: Residential only
- Years in business: 12+ years
- Rentals managed: 148+
- Better Business Bureau rating: B-
- Management fees: 10-15% (may vary depending on the type of property)
- Tenant placement fee: 50% of one month's rent if you choose a management plan or 100% of one month's rent if you only require a tenant placement service
If you are looking for a company offering complete property management services, Welcome Home may be ideal. Once you start working with this firm, you will get assistance from real estate brokers who can provide you with all the information you need about the market. Additionally, these specialists can conduct a cash flow analysis to help you make informed investments that truly benefit your business.
Welcome Home relies on a comprehensive marketing strategy, targeting the MLS and online rental sites, to fill vacant properties with qualified tenants. Moreover, it only considers applicants who pass its strict screening process to offer clients a reliable source of income.
Also, if you use Welcome Home's property management service, the firm can take care of different tasks, even if you aren't involved. Rent collection, maintenance coordination, evictions, bill payments, and inspections are a few of the responsibilities this firm takes on.
Earnest Homes
Los Angeles residents looking for the best property management companies in California can also trust Earnest Homes. This firm specializes in single-family and multi-unit housing in the area, offering brokerage services.
- Service types: Residential only
- Years in business: 8+ years
- Rentals managed: Unknown
- Better Business Bureau rating: A+
- Management fees: 5-9% of monthly rent (may vary between $175 or $295 depending on the plan) for a single unit or 4-7% of monthly rent (may vary between $80 and $100 per unit) for multi-unit services, depending of the number of properties
- Tenant placement fee: 50% of one month's rent or $1,500 with management, whichever is greater, or $750 for the diamond plan (may vary depending on the plan); or 75% of one month's rent or $2,000 for those who only require a tenant placement service, whichever is greater; or one month's rent or $2,500 for tenant placement services with a 12-month warranty
Both homeowners and real estate investors can find complete property management services at Earnest Homes, one of the most reputable companies in Los Angeles and Southern California.
Earnest Homes' team has extensive experience in the rental market and can manage your property at top-dollar rates through their pre-lease services. Additionally, this firm has become a popular choice for those looking for tenant placement and daily management solutions, as both options are available in packages or separately.
Also, unlike other property management companies in California, Earnest Homes offers a 12-month tenant warranty, free limited legal services, and a 30-day satisfaction warranty. Do you need to find quick solutions? This firm prides itself on offering a 1-day response time.
Seville Property Management
Are you looking for property management companies throughout San Francisco's East Bay? Seville Property Management is a great option for residential real estate owners.
- Service types: Residential only
- Years in business: 36+ years
- Rentals managed: 110+
- Better Business Bureau rating: A+
- Management fees: 8-10% of monthly rent (may vary based on the service plan)
- Tenant placement fee: 50-100% of one month's rent, depending on whether it includes management or only tenant placement services
Considered one of the best property management companies in California, Seville PM promises to help real estate owners maximize their properties' income-producing potential.
Seville PM offers full-service property management, starting with a complimentary rental analysis that will determine how much money you can earn from your rental unit. Moreover, this company will work with you to set your real estate investment goals and create a plan to help you achieve them.
If you hire this firm, you can get assistance before, during, and after the lease, whether you need to market your vacant units, collect rent, process renewals, find qualified tenants, or conduct showings.
Mesa Properties, Inc.
If you are looking for a company offering commercial property management, Mesa Properties may be the option you need.
- Service types: Residential and commercial property management
- Years in business: 13+ years
- Rentals managed: Unknown
- Better Business Bureau rating: A+
- Management fees: 6-8% of monthly rent, with a minimum of $110 depending on the rental amount, or $239 per month for those who choose the premium plan
- Tenant placement fee: $500 if you choose a management plan or 50% of one month's rent, with a minimum of $1,200, for those who require tenant placement services only
Operating throughout the Inland Empire, including Riverside, Mesa Properties has earned a place as one of the best property management companies in California for its comprehensive services. This firm promises to accompany landlords and investors throughout the rental process, from start to finish.
Additionally, Mesa Properties is ideal for those who have multiple buildings or dwellings and need help managing them all, as it offers both residential and commercial property management services.
This firm also offers a complementary service to its clients: a free market and rental analysis to set the best price for your property. Moreover, Mesa Properties syndicates the rental unit listing on major listing sites, such as MLS.
In order to give you peace of mind and help you make passive income right from the start, this company promises that all tenants placed in the properties are guaranteed for 12 full months. If renters leave, Mesa Properties will replace them at no cost to landlords.
Ziprent
If you are a property owner and are looking for a reliable firm that can manage your rental unit in the Greater Berkeley area, Ziprent may be the ideal option for you.
- Service types: Residential only
- Years in business: 4+ years
- Rentals managed: 2009+
- Better Business Bureau rating: A
- Management fees: $100 per month for each unit
- Tenant placement fee: $1,000 if you only use tenant placement services
Although it has been around for only four years, which is considerably less than other firms, Ziprent has become one of the most popular property management companies in California. Furthermore, it has managed thousands of units, which proves that customers really trust this company.
Ziprent stands out from the competition for its comprehensive but fast service. If you work with this company, you can get your rental business off the ground in less time than you may think.
In addition, this firm wants to help you earn passive income from your vacant properties. Therefore, its services begin with an initial evaluation to price your rental unit and recommend improvements that could increase profitability.
Ziprent can take care of all management tasks, such as collecting rent, pricing renewals, handling evictions, and more. Also, this company can draft custom contracts and make sure they comply with California landlord-tenant laws to give you the peace of mind you deserve during the lease term.
PMI Los Angeles
Do you need to find a company offering commercial property management services in LA? Here's one of the best options you can consider: PMI Los Angeles.
- Service types: Residential and commercial property management
- Years in business: 2+ years
- Rentals managed: Unknown
- Better Business Bureau rating: N/A
- Management fees: 5-9% of monthly rent, with a minimum of $175 or $295 (may vary based on the plan you choose), or 4-9% with a minimum of $80 or $100 for multi-unit properties, depending on the plan.
- Tenant placement fee: $1,500 or 50% of one month's rent, with a minimum of $1,000 or $1,200 for multi-unit properties, whichever is greater; $295 if you choose the diamond plan; o $1,750 o 75% of one month's rent if you only use tenant placement services
If you are looking for an affordable property management service, PMI Los Angeles has excellent options and pricing. This company wants to help you manage your property through cost-effective plans. You can save money and avoid the stress of leasing your dwelling or building.
Plus, PMI Los Angeles doesn't just offer solutions for the standard residential property owner. This company offers commercial property management services for real estate investors!
Besides assisting you through the leasing process and handling all related aspects, PMI Los Angeles is committed to finding the right tenant for your property. The firm grants a 21-day tenant warranty and ensures renters stay in the property for at least nine months.
In addition, this company screens pets and offers a pet damage guarantee to expand the prospective renter pool and help you start earning money in no time.
Green Oak Property Management
Also based in Los Angeles, Green Oak Property Management offers full-service property management services to residential and commercial real estate owners. Although it's new, this company has built a great reputation in the industry.
- Service types: Residential and commercial property management
- Years in business: 2+ years
- Rentals managed: Unknown
- Better Business Bureau rating: A
- Management fees: 5-7% of monthly rent (may vary based on the property type and location)
- Tenant placement fee: 50% of one month's rent if you only require tenant placement services
Green Oak has a team of real estate management experts who can help turn your property into a source of income and maximize your return on investment.
If you are not sure about what you want to achieve or have not designed a plan for your rental business, don't worry! Green Oak offers a free rental analysis to help you understand or set your financial objectives and choose the right strategy to maximize your investment.
In addition, this market analysis allows the company to know the value of comparable properties in Los Angeles to set a fair price for your rental unit or commercial building.
Green Oak offers individual plans tailored to your property management needs and will take care of marketing your property on major listing sites. Drafting agreements compliant with California landlord-tenant laws, screening applicants to find highly-qualified tenants, and conducting showings are a few of the responsibilities this company undertakes.
Final Thoughts
There's an ocean of property management companies in California. If you are looking for help managing your rental unit or want assistance in making smart real estate investments, it won't take long to find a specialized firm.
However, you shouldn't hire the first full-service property management firm you come across. If you want to protect your investment and make sure your rental business is successful, you should choose a reliable one.
Whether you are in Los Angeles or San Francisco, there are many reliable and professional property management companies. California is a huge real estate market, and you can find dozens of experts willing to help you.
In this list, we included options that are worth considering and can provide you with excellent service. However, if you are still looking for the best property management companies in California, remember to follow the tips and considerations explained above. Good luck!
Do You Need More Help? Doorloop Is Here!
Did you check this list of the best property management companies in California but still need help? At Doorloop, you can find everything you need!
We offer high-quality information for landlords and property managers, including details on each state's rental laws. Also, if you want to make the rental process easier, you can find free forms and templates on our website. Check it out!